Stay ConnectedWho decides which snacks are in your office’s vending machine? How much is a suburban elm tree worth, and to whom? How did Girl Scout Cookies become a billion-dollar business? In bite-sized episodes, journalist Zachary Crockett looks at quotidian things and finds amazing stories.
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How do TV producers decide how much money to give away? A little psychology and a lot of math. Zachary Crockett phones a friend. This episode was originally published on March 9th, 2025.
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A fast-food burger has to taste the same — and cost the same — thousands of times a day at restaurants across the country. Zachary Crockett mans the fryer. This episode was originally published on March 2nd, 2025.
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Before a guide dog can help a blind person navigate the world, it has to pass a series of tests, then go through $75,000 worth of training. Zachary Crockett sniffs around. This episode was originally published on February 16th, 2025.
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Behind that 70% off sign, there’s a liquidation consultant trying to maximize retailer profits. Zachary Crockett seeks a deal. This episode was originally published on February 9th, 2025.
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Picture day is an annual tradition for American families — and, for the companies that take the photos, a lucrative one. Zachary Crockett smiles for the camera. This episode was originally published on February 2nd, 2025.
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They're not always the nicest places to go — but for their owners, portable toilets are a lucrative revenue stream. Zachary Crockett lifts the lid. This episode was originally published on January 26th, 2025.
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You can be a top model and still not get recognized on the street — as long as you keep your cuticles healthy and your moons white. Zachary Crockett points a finger. This episode was originally published on January 19th, 2025.
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A watercolor of a harbor? A black-and-white photo of a pile of rocks? Some hotels are trying to do better. Zachary Crockett unpacks. This episode was originally published on January 12th, 2025.
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Before beef ends up at your favorite steakhouse, it passes through the hands of a trained specialist with an encyclopedic knowledge of bovine anatomy. Zachary Crockett chews the fat. This episode was originally published on January 5th, 2025.
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He started with one small shop in London. He has since resuscitated both Barnes & Noble and Waterstones. In this episode of Stephen Dubner’s new TV talk show, James Daunt tells Stephen exactly how he does it.
If you'd like to see the video version of Better in Person, you can watch it on YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
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